AVOID THESE BRANDS! Compact Tractor Buyers Guide
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- Опубліковано 29 тра 2024
- Deere, Kubota, LS, Kioti, TYM, Massey Ferguson, Mahindra, Bobcat, New Holland, Branson, RK, Yanmar, and more. Which one(s) should you avoid?
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I have a 2015 McCormick x1.35, which is a completely identical to a Branson 3520r. Branson dealer won’t even talk to me. Went in in-person, and they were downright rude trying to get parts. Don’t have a McCormick dealer locally anymore.
I got tons of attitude from a local Massey dealer and zero help looking at their tractors. Sorry.. I thought yall were in business to sell stuff lol
It's crazy
@@Will-tm5bj I have a local dealer who caters to big companies and they seem to take precedence over more than average homeowner.
Sadly they all remind me of car dealerships and politicians who make promises to dip their hands in our pockets or, get us to dip our hands in our pockets and willingly give our hard-earned money. Once we're off the lot the service predicated upon the service writers who make their money based upon how well they can dip their hands into our pockets...
The concept of trust, respect and honor surrounding moral turpitude seems to have gone out the window and it's all a crap shoot
@@billvandorn5332 I went to my local john deere and got my mower. Every time I've called I've either gotten answers or parts ordered right away, or have been called back within a very reasonable amount of time. The whole experience has been great. Fortunately, there is also a kubota dealer right down the street and they seem to be every bit as good if not better with their service. A little further away is a kioti dealer that's been there forever and has a good reputation. When it comes time for the next step with a tractor those are the only ones at this point that I'm considering based entirely off of the people I met at each place. Second place to that is the parts and future service, between those three I don't think you can go wrong at this point
@@Will-tm5bj kubota makes there own machines and there own engines
@@Will-tm5bj I got the same attitude from a case dealer years back , still biased against case because of that
My local John Deere dealer wouldn't give me the time of day...he lost a sale. My local Yanmar dealership responded quickly, but was a bit pricey. I found a Yanmar dealership two hours away, but gave my his personal cell number and asked me to call anytime day or night, even on a weekend, and he'd talk me through any trouble or issue. Now THATS service!! He was also $2000 cheaper.
On the trailering, once you do tie it down, you have to pat it and say "That's not going anywhere."
Yes! That's the most important step!!
Oh yea. Forgot that!
Dow forget folding the seat and shaking the loader bucket side to side. Insurance check!
♒🤣😭😭😭😭😭🤷@@needstacos4892
I bought a Kioti CS 2520 June 2021. I'm happy with my purchase, not happy with my dealer. i wish I could've seen this video a year ago. I've learned a lot from your videos. Thank you.
The Deere dealers in our area are the most smug arrogant group of people I have ever met, so even if they are there they don’t want to help or sell you parts so factor that in too. The central Ohio area is all owned by one group and they are simply are not any good!
I agree it's the same up North of you too. They really could care less if you buy from them. A 25k investment in a piece of equipment and accessories is a major investment to guys like us but all they want is that million dollar sale. Lots of other brands out there that will treat you like a king when looking and buying.
Another factor was the price difference between the John Deere dealers in my area. 1025R was almost 4k difference in price between two local dealers with the same options and attachments.
When I was shopping a couple years ago, I learned that JD dealers know that people are very opinionated on tractor brands, and customers who want green are gonna buy green, pretty much no matter what. So as a first-time buyer I was very put off by this. I believe this is called the "Harley Davidson Syndrome".
@@zoidsfan77 LOL... Yep I still have my Harley.... But I love my new Indian.
@@orsonwells7997 Sorry, lol I wasn't trying to pick on you. I know plenty of people who are happy with their Harley's.
@@zoidsfan77 It's true the attitude does exist. I grew up on John Deere but after having dealers trying to line their pockets with my money last year I am more than happy with my new Kubota.
I picked up a TYM 474 because the price was about $10,000 less than the big name is I have confidence that TYM has been around for a long time (just not here in the U.S.) and will continue to be around. But what sealed the deal for me is the engine, it does not have a common rail fuel system so it has an old style Bosch mechanical fuel pump. This means if I wanted to remove the emissions, the engine wouldn’t know. It’s like getting all the best new features with the tractor but an old school motor. It has been bulletproof so far!
Precisely why I'm considering Branson.
Excellent video sir, I will be favoriting it so I can share it with people who are just jumping into the tractor market.
I went at my tractor purchase using nearly the exact same methodology. The only additional metric that My wife and I looked at was how well the dealers and service departments treated/respected my wife.
We had narrowed our list down to a JD 1025R with backhoe or a Kubota BX23S. One family owns all the JD dealerships within our serviceable area and despite me telling each of their sales people that they “should consider the machine sold if my wife is comfortable with it”, they kept trying to sell ME the machine. After we walked into the service side of the house of one of their dealerships, they flat out ignored her and her questions and would state the answer to her questions to ME.
We ended up going with Kubota because their sales person heeded my statement and walked my wife through the operation of the machine, and even walked her over to his service desks which were staffed with 50% female staffers. The make and female service writer were very respectful of her questions, answered her questions directly to her, and put technical things into terms that she could understand. This gave us confidence that she would be taken care of in the event that I am gone.
The experience and memory you described with your wife is everlasting! I say kudos to you as I try to treat everybody as my client in this company has failed to train their salespeople and writers to care about the clients needs! It would drive me nuts and I would probably have said something really derogatory and with some profanities before walking out
We bought a JD 590i XUV because my wife loved the ride, looks and comfort. When it was time for the first oil change, my wife was heading to town, So, I asked her to pick up an oil filter and some oil.
When she got to the dealers service desk, the guys behind the desk were on their phones. One was obviously in a personal conversation. My wife stood there waiting for them to notice her. Just as one finished talking on the phone, a guy comes walking up behind her. The service desk dude looked right past my wife and asked the guy behind her what he needed. The guy pointed to my wife and said, “Ladies first.”
Service dude looked at my wife and barked, “What do you want?”
She said his tone was irritating. As she told him what she wanted, he asked her, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
He never smiled or apologized for overlooking her. She said he acted put out and irritated that she was bothering him as he filled her order.
She’ll not step foot inside that dealership again.
Go to tradeshow, treat women as someone wife, not business owner!
I had the "hate on" for John Deere for several years just because of the nasty attitudes of some people at my local dealership. Those people are gone now and I like John Deere again, but I bought a LOT of machinery from the AGCO dealership in the meantime. John Deere missed out on a lot of money.
This is a very good tip! I like your approach. I respect my wife and women seem to out live us guys.😊👍
I actually looked at different models of tractors and ended up buying Kubota L2501.I found,here in Canada,the less popular tractors did not really have enough savings for me to purchase them,before kubota.A 4000.00 difference was just not enough savings and too much long term risk for me too choose the less popular brand.Great Video,thanks.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s too risky to go an uncertain route for savings up front that won’t necessarily make a huge difference overall.
Great video! While I already made my purchase, I'm glad our outlooks are very similar. I ended up with a Kubota and have been really pleased. Like many on here, I did a lot of homework, looked at many different brands, studied their brochures and websites, talked to a number of sales staff, and stopped by the parts counter. The sales staff and counter people ultimately helped me make the decision. Once I narrowed down the brands, I went to two different dealers for each of the brands. One dealer was less than helpful and the other couldn't stop trying to help, same with the people at the parts counter. This being my first tractor every, I am definitely a beginner, and had a lot of questions. The parts guy that dropped what he was doing, called another person to come man the counter, and went outside to show me features, was the dealer I went with. In some ways, the man at the parts counter did a better job at selling than the salesman, who did a great job too! Great video, thank you!
My brother had the exact opposite experience when he dropped $60k + for his Grand L. Factory yelled and hung up when he inquired on the status of his build. The dealer tried holding his backoe for ransom after the price had been agreed and PREPAID.
When the thing came, we tried lifting a log. It couln't do it. Guess which brand I am NOT considereing?
When looking for a compact tractor last year, I found Kioti and Kubota dealers were extremely friendly. Our John Deere dealer was basically “why bother looking at any other brand? Just buy this”
I guess the John Deere dealer thinks "he's the only tractor dealer". If you go somewhere else it is his fault since he has a very poor attitude.
@Mark Holtdorf 😂😂😂😂. Have fun getting parts at a reasonable price, even the Chinese crap that John Deere farms out cost an arm and a leg. And that's on models where they DON'T try every dirty trick to get around the right to repair rulings against them. Avoid the greedy ahem green Deere unless it's an old hand me down inheritance.
@Mark Holtdorf sorry, but no. Fail. JD doesn't hold a monopoly in that department.
@@lashlarue7924 pretty much do. No company has parts on hand like John deer except maybe cat
@@lashlarue7924 - who is comparable?
My father was in construction and he said Kubota tractors were High quality machines and they manufactured all their parts in house and have been for 100 years. It was easy for me and Kubotas have been my dependable machines for decades. Thanks Tim 👍😊
My brother-in-law has a 1977 model Kubota and has never had any issues getting parts for it, aside from having to wait a week or two occasionally! Says a lot about their commitment to their customers.
In terms of global supply chain and influence, must go with JD or Kubota. No one else comes close to the portfolios of these two.
In 1947 when Japan surrendered for their terrorist attack on Pearl harbor and dragging us into world war II, they vowed that they would take over America within 100 years. And they've got you helping them
@@timtalaski5904 what a moron statement 🙄
Nah kubotas are garden tractors
All good thoughts/advice. One point I can attest to is the online support for whatever you end up with. I had bought a 2003 JD 2210 tractor. I loved it and had 1,200+ hours of seat time over 18 years before getting a new tractor. The model was only made for a few years and I always struggled to online "help" for various things over time. So even with a popular manufacturer if the model isn't around for very long you don't have the benefit of crowd sourcing fixes for any issues or modifications you come across. To Tim's point, there are more videos out there on the 1025r than you can shake a stick at!
I always buy the 1:50 scale tractors. Always great success with that!
DR: I have the full size but also a bunch of the 1:50 and 1/32 scale as well. They're easier to store and much less expensive!!
@@neilopfer5687 Yes Sir! And the oil change is a SNAP!
Hello Tim, I think you are spot on with your thoughts on buying a new tractor. Alot of people will buy a tractor based on price alone and sometimes that could be risky. Like you mentioned with the rebranded tractors, the availability of parts may not be there in the future. The only thing that may be different in that case would be if someone planned on trading the tractor in every two to three years. In those scenarios parts may be more available in the shorter future. Anyhow these videos you put out are extremely informative and helpful. Thank you for taking your time to put out excellent contents.
All good advice as usual. I got my 1025R late last summer for several reasons you mentioned. And true to the statement that any brand can have issues, I had a hydraulic leak from the factory. My dealer was kind enough to pick it up and bring it back after fixing it under warranty. I had borrowed a truck and trailer to bring it home and had no way to get it to them otherwise. Your local dealer makes ALL the difference! And of course I believe that parts for that tractor should be available for a long time to come.
Ours get paid for a year to come get them..
Great info for someone just starting out. This is all just common sense, but it doesn't hurt to lay it out. Anyone who has been down this road before, knows what it costs if you make a bad decision in what to buy. It took me a long time/monay to learn this "common sense". I first started out with a 12hp Murry from Walmart, did not last long. Then i stepped up to a 25 hp John Deere from Home Depot, it lasted longer, but still was not a good choice in the long run, very cheaply made. Finally, i bit the bullet, did my reaearch, bought a Kubota 331 Diesel zero turn lawn tractor, and have never regretted the decision. In fact, i liked it so much, i bought another, this time a 1211 (the 331 was discontinued due to government emissions standards) as a second machine. In the end, do your research, price is only one factor to consider. My 2 Kubota's cost a lot up front, and they are not ceap by ant means to maintain, but in the long run, i don't think i could have made a better choice.
This series has been fantastic and very informative. Keep up the great work and any additional informational videos would be appreciated on tractors and equipment.
Can't beat those old Farmall M's ! Many are still plowing and working fields in Pa. and throughout the country today. Bought a Massey and have very good support with them.
Excellent video and outstanding information Tim. I agree with you on the parts availability. Very important. My Backhoe for example is an 89 and was a very,very popular brand but only in very urban and rocky Northeastern U.S. parts availability for me is still good even though they stopped manufacturing their machines in 2000 but my area there are still a good amount working and plenty in salvage yards. I happen to like these machines so I will continue to use it instead of purchasing a newer or different brand. Thank you everyone have a great day.
Tim, great video. what you just went through is the best way to look at tractors. I looked for two years at all the tractors I could find and test drove as many as I could before buying mine , when I look back at it 4 of those dealers are no longer in business. I always appreciate your content, keep up the good work.
I like that you always provide useful factual information in a non bias manner. Your experience, knowledge, reviews, installations, modifications and demos has made your channel an excellent resourceful site for new and existing tractor owners. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the kind words.
@@TractorTimewithTim I have no scientific evidence to back up my thoughts on this just from what I've witnessed over the years. It seems like brands that make their own equipment are generally easier to trade-in/sell and seem to hold their value a bit better also. Have you observed the same or is it perhaps a geographical phenomenon?
Non bias, only titling it ‘Avoid These Brands’….
Tim, good job on this video. Lots of solid advice here.
As an RK24 owner, I have to agree with every one of your points. And I can attest first hand to the lack of dealer support as compared to other brands. I knew this before moving ahead with my purchase 2 years ago, and factored it in along with many of the other variables you mentioned.
As you say, everyone's situation is different. Since I have the skills/tools/knowledge to do my own repairs (so long as I can get parts), I made the choice to rank cost savings and features above dealer support. These are some of the specific things everyone will have to decide for themselves.
At the end of the day we all have to remember that any tractor is a tool, and if it can be relied upon to get the job done when needed, then make/model/color is irrelevant.
...Now if I could just figure out how to cram a turbo under my hood... 😏
Clarification: I sourced and obtained full parts and service manuals for my tractor, engine, loader, backhoe, etc. right up front. I had to pay for some of them, but I now have the full set of documentation to accompany my equipment. It not only includes the RK part numbers, but also the OEM's part numbers (TYM/Yanmar). This removes any dependency I have on RK and allows me to source parts directly from the manufacturer if/when needed.
I’m thinking of adding a supercharger to my TYM T233. The Rootes pattern that Subaru uses is readily available used, and about the size of a typical air conditioning compressor. It should be fairly straight forward on mine as it is old enough to be pre-emission, and I can get larger Bosch injectors to compensate for the increased air volume.
@Randall Thomas Subaru uses turbos on lots of car models. What equipment of thiers uses a supercharger that will work on your tractor? Not doubting or putting down, just curious. Thanks and good luck!
m.ua-cam.com/video/0tzUgHYzdmQ/v-deo.html
I put a turbo on my 755 a few years back. A local garden tractor puller told me to use a twin scroll turbo. It improved the performance no more bogging on hills and I could do loader work in high range.
Yeah I heard they come with a rebuilt kit. Can't beat that.
This guy has the right idea. This is exactly what I do and I have never had an issue sourcing a part and my tractor, the machine is 16 years old made by LG/LS tractors (Montana t7074) I love my old tractor no emissions stuff.
After digging I found Kioti has a tractor that meets what I’m looking for. Oddly enough the Kioti dealer is right in my neighborhood. I’m looking at a used RX7320 with Powershuttle. It’s priced right. Yeah I’ll admit I had my heart set on the 4066M Heavy duty but there’s a lot of savings there for an attachment or two. I just hope that Heavy Hitch makes a weight set for it.
Great video, very informative! Popularity of a specific model is definitely key in my opinion as well. In addition it helps to know what models share parts with the one you select as that too will determine long term parts availability.
Any advice is always helpful and appreciated. You my friend own both a John Deere 2038R and a Kubota lx3310 so you can speak of those to tractors and brands with complete authority.
ANOTHER excellent video. Before purchasing mine I made the rounds, looked at the tractors, looked at the facilities, and spoke to salesmen and techs (most of the time). Had one salesman who said I was wasting his time and I couldn't afford what he was selling, left there quickly. I found my first choice of tractor, but the dealer left a lot to be desired; no shop, just some gravel spread around for a work area. I went green as we were treated best, salesman showed interest and sold me what I needed instead of what I went to look at, and they have a great service department. Just before the two year anniversary they called and asked if they could pick up the tractor for a few days to give it a good going over - at no charge. That kind of service is hard to beat.
🎯
That’s one of my fears going to see a salesman. Being treated like I’m wasting their time. I’m new to buying a tractor much less financing one. I just hope and pray I get a nice one and not one that has a bad attitude.
@@aaronchavous1968 I've got a 2038R on order. Went to three dealers. All were within a thousand dollars price on the package I wanted, but only one really wanted to help me get exactly the setup I needed, no easy task with JD these days, due to supply issues. This dealer also got glowing reviews, which was very important to me. I'm gonna break this thing; that's a given. What happens next could color the whole experience for me. I am not good at confrontation. I hate it. By doing my homework up front, I hope to avoid any trouble with service. Time will tell, but so far the entire transaction has been great. It would not have been at one of the other two dealers.
Love the Bible verses,, keep up the good work and have a blessed day....
This is the exact sentiment we on MTF try to explain to potential buyers of garden tractors. Great video of nailing down questions most wouldn't think to ask.
Your comments about dealer is so important. I am lucky to have 2 JD dealers locally . You need a repair place you have trust in…I recently had a bad experience with one JD dealer. My actuator went on my JD 2032 only after 200 hrs(another- story all together). i called dealer and sent tractor in for service. However, at the end of mowing season late October I wanted the tractor ready for Spring so i brought it in for service to the dealer ..… replaced blades, fluids, oil/ fuel filters, mower deck serviced cost over 600 bucks…. From the time i had it serviced in October i put a total of 9 hours on it (one last mow job for season and few times pushing snow-when the actuator stopped working. i got a call from the dealer saying tractor was ready tractor- included in the bill for the actuator repair was filter changes, sharpen blades..fluid changes cleaning deck etc- exactly the same stuff they did 9 hours before…additional cost about 500 bucks… its time to terminate that relationship - i question why didn’t need to do that work-if they actually did it-I seriously question whether they did the work but charged me for it- i got fleeced and am not happy about getting ripped off
Well, I have a Branson 2515h. Love it! Outworks circles around my 35 hp Deere and Kubota. No regen. Higher lift capacity. The Dealer has always been epic! Never had an issue except someone stole the 3 point hitch pins out of it. The dealer had them shipped to me next day.
I also have a TYM 2515h and it is an excellent machine. Out works my buddies 40hp new holland. We also have a great dealer too. Parts on hand and experienced technicians.
Was hesitant at first but finally decided to go with TYM. I am confident in the long term manufacturers/parts support because they have been around so long and my local dealer is large and also used to be a MF dealer in the 60s/70s/80s. Good machines!
I wish there was a TYM dealer by me.
Valid points to consider. We bought a used tractor 2 years ago and subconsciously the points you raised were part of the process...plus we had the luxury of knowing several friends to consult with similar uses who owned them.
Very good solid advice about things to look at & consider when taking that leap into tractor ownership from that perspective. Thanks for taking the time to go over this. Take care.
Excellent advice Tim. I bought a new Cub Cadet-Yanmar in 2009 thinking both were long time players in the small tractor market. Two years later I found out how bad my decision really was. The tractor has worked well for me with no major problems but getting any service or small wear out parts has been almost impossible to source locally. I managed to get a complete set of manuals for my present tractor which helps and really haven't had problems with it. Your advice about getting a tractor from the builder is sound. That said, I am in the market again for another new tractor and will admit to looking at a few of the other brands of rebranded machines. RK does offer some pretty good deals and I have used the RK stores for decades so it is still on my list. I think all of the tractors are basically pretty well made which makes the field sort of level. The difference for me is in the dealer. That is coming in first and the price second. Two years after I bought my tractor, the dealership was closed. They had been the largest Cub Cadet dealer in the region but did not weather the split with Yanmar. I like my present tractor but have nothing kind to say about the situation the CC/Y owners were left in when something changed in their business plans. In my case neither the Cub Cadet or Yanmar dealers want anything to do with parts or service.
I find it interesting that even after having been personally bitten by this mistake, you would still consider doing it again.
Go green. You will not regret it.
You've got two choices in my opinion. JD or Kubota. Both are far too invested and intertwined with the US economy to ever cease operations here (even through another recession). The rest pale in comparison to the portfolios of JD and Kubota in the US. That's just a fact.
Probably one of your BEST videos, Tim! Totally impartial with no brand bashing, yet provides the viewer with enough common-sense information to sort what's important and what isn't, when buying a tractor. We had a local Montana dealer who has painstakingly continued to serve his customers by taking on the LS (and Branson) lines, as a means to not only continue to sell tractors, but to serve his past clients as best he can. Yep! Blue parts on a green tractor! ;-) I enjoy your work and will miss it if or when it ceases.
Thanks for the kind words.
What are the prices on the ones with the canopy
Good video Tim. A lot of good things to think about before buying your first compact or sub-compact tractor.
I bought a Kioti CK3510 with a backhoe and box scraper. Been very happy with it although the wiring harness rubbed through at the firewall after the warranty expired but Kioti paid my dealer to fix it for free! I was very happy with my dealer and Kioti.
Great advice on many areas. I looked at RK tractors when I bought my Massey. Honestly they would probably provide years of trouble free service. But when I compared pricing it was cheaper, but not enough cheaper to make it worth while for me to try vs a name brand tractor that I was familiar with.
I appreciate that you are not stuck on one brand. For me sometimes my favorite brand might be different depending on the size or type of equipment and model year. Most important is to compare each brand compared to what you are going to use it for. I don't even have a mower deck, if I did I would probably have a green tractor. The best tractor is a loaded question. This series has been very informative and thought provoking vs a lot of them out there that are obviously very biased.
Tim great video. I purchased a RK 25 late last year. The biggest thing I can say about my experience with my tractor is the RK retail store side. One is they don’t have the technician at the store that has the knowledge to answer your question and concerns. Second is the ability to order parts if needed. Poor website to order parts from. Lastly I’m retired from being in retail for 50 plus years and you can see the people at store level care, but the structure around them to connect that to the customer experience isn’t in place. I feel the tractor is well made and a good machine.
RK varies a lot by store. Some areas have stores with good technicians and even mobile service. Unfortunately TYM dealers vary greatly too.
That RK25 seems to be a nice tractor. The corresponding TYM model is basically identical so parts shouldn't be a problem.
I bought an RK25 this year, tractor, loader, and backhoe. It's an awesome machine. I buried some stumps, backfilled a trench. It has done everything I expected and more.
@@byronsmith8967 I have the RK25 no backhoe but use to level my parking lot with a box blade as well for about a year now with 78 hours , Seems like a well built machine with no issue so far !
Great video. We don't have farms around here so we don't have many dealers. Orange is 70 miles away. Green is new and 30 miles away. MF is 5 miles away but specializes in selling 240 ton mining trucks. You can imagine the attention I'd get there, no matter how nice the people there are.
Any part I'd ever need for my 51 8N is readily available, often from the local NAPA dealer. Much as I'd like something new and a little more powerful I think I'll keep the 8N. I've converted it to 12v with an alternator and rewired it getting rid of the starting and electrical issues.
I purchased a new Bobcat CT230 in 2010 and traded it in on a new Bobcat 4050 in 2021. Both tractors were comparably equipped…. HST, 4WD, FEL, etc. As you’re aware, Bobcat has a relationship with Kioti to manufacture the components and ship them over for assembly in NC. When Bobcat paused its compact tractor sales in 2011 or 2012 (not 100% sure), I had zero problems with service and repairs at my local Bobcat dealer. When they resumed their entry in the compact tractor market, I was anxious to upgrade to a 50 HP unit. I found exceptional value in the purchase of the new Bobcat with a FEL included in the price vs an option….. several thousand dollars less expensive than the green, orange, red and blue tractors. I’ve only got 21 hours on my 4050, but so far, I couldn’t be any more pleased with its performance and operation.
I purchased a tractor/loader from Northern Tools about 10 years ago. It had a gear drive with a 2-stage clutch. I was using it with both a 3-point finish mower and a 3-point snow blower. After a few years, i needed to adjust the clutch ( I assume because of the snow blower). No one would touch it. Luckily, I was able to find a service manual online. In the instructions for adjusting the clutch, the first step was ""Split the tractor to expose the clutch"! Fortunately I was able to fabricate some tools and was able to adjust the clutch through the inspection cover.
At the time, I could have (and SHOULD have) bought a used tractor from a local implement dealer for about the same money. Once I got the clutch adjusted working properly, I sold it privately (the dealer didn't want it) and bought a used JD.
I saw where Northern Tool is selling a tractor now called NorTrac that are built in China. I wouldn't touch that tractor with a 10 foot pole.
Years back I bought a Sears rototiller to use in my garden and my orchard. Everything worked fine until one day the shifter stopped working. I had it checked out by a service center and they told me it would cost more to do the repair than the tiller cost me since they would have to split the case to find the problem. To me, this is one of the reasons Sears went down hill. You could buy their stuff but it was too expensive to get it repaired.
Reminds me of a neighbor with a 4410 JD, dual rear wheel (major farming tractor).. I walked in to the shop, to see it split in half, just to replace a $15 "O-ring". 🙄
I bought a Yanmar SA324 this past fall, and have been very happy with it. Dealer is great to work with, they do service, and they are just down the street. I basically did the things you talked about. I was assured with their 10 year warranty, and the fact that Deere uses their engines. I also always tie down any loads, and also red flag anything extending out the bed of the truck or trailer. Thanks for all you do Tim!
I just bought an SA324 too! I researched extensively for weeks before I decided on the YANMAR. My dealership is a husband and wife team. They've been around for years. She's the sales and he's one of the mechanics. He delivered my new tractor and gave me his personal cell #.
I have used Yanmar before. You are correct they are a wonderful tractor!
I've had my 324 for 5 years, and for the money you can't beat it.
You bought a good tractor.
@@edgrigsby8610 I looked at all brands up and down and right now I'm stuck between a few. Yanmar being one of them. I am going to be using it to mow the lawn (mid mount mower) moving logs and dirt and mulch (forks and front bucket). I'm leaning more towards Massey and yanmar although basically all brands except Kubota is still a possibility. I really like the price tag for the saa325 with the lift capacity, and the gc1725 lift capacity for such a small tractor. If you could do it all again would you choose a different brand or do anything at all differently ?
Bought a JD 1025R TLB new in June 2019. Bought the canopy, backhoe thumb, rear blade, snow blower, forks, and recently built a 6 foot snow blade. Love it, saves a lot of backaches ! (Has 230 hrs on it.)
great video. a good friend of mine works on tractors and his father owned his own tractor shop so i asked him what i should go with and he said the exact same thing you did. buy a tractor you can get parts for. he recommended kubota and thats what i went with back in july and i love the machine. and the dealer is top notch. Thanks for the video
Solid advice. Of the manufacturers you mentioned that produce their own, I believe them to be solid tractors. I couldn't stress enough what you said, every brand can have an issue.
Just been reading through the comments. Two points.
1. I'm still pleased with my choice of the 2038R. Great dealer. Lots of 2038R's out there. Tons of support on GTT, this channel as well as several others. Literally the best choice I could have made. My sailboat has a Yanmar. It was installed in '92, and is just as tough as nails. Killer engine.
2. You must have a seriously thick hide.
Thanks for the kind words, Hargrave! Lots of opinions out there…for sure!
Thank you for this. I'm getting myself educated about what kind of machine will work best for me. This was full of good stuff and so clearly presented.
Very, very good video. Thank you. I did in my own way follow what you said. We have a JD dealership close by and a Kubota dealership in a town not too far from us. Parts and service was the big thing for us. No regrets and never looked back.
Hey Tim I bought a RK 25 last year with a backhoe very happy with it seems to work fine I went with the RK 25 because of the value of the unit it’s lifting capacities 1380 at the pins couldn’t get that out of the orange or the green tractors LOL so far so good 😊
How's it holding up for you? I was looking at the RKs just today, and I was completely unaware of RK before.
The RK tractors are extremely reliable! I've had dozens of customers switch from JD and kabota and they absolutely love there switch! These are built well and there gearing and HST pumps are simple but tough as nails! They derived from heavy excavating equipment. I've torn apart and split a ton of tractors and these I'm amazed the simplicity and sure toughness that goes into them! The top comment I hear from a convert is that it feels so much smoother and feels like I can do more with the same size! Hope that helps anyone! Fyi I'm retired and chose to be a tech on these for the pleasure not for profit! Id like to add that if your trying to decide on which,. Id recommend if your going for smaller go with the 24 or 25 and 55 for the bigger and this is only in my opinion that people tend to over work the smaller of the 2 different level of size! Make the extra investment you won't be disappointed!
So you are a tech at an RK store?
@@TractorTimewithTim yes Tim I am and owner of a 24. I worked on them in the side previously to finally taking the leap to employment to keeping busy during retirement
Sounds good.
What is the main reason they might need to be ‘split’?
@@TractorTimewithTim case damage from backing up into trees. PTO for smaller from using bigger implements out of recommended range!The 55s really don't come in for splitting that often and for this on both levels only account for a small percentage and it's maybe once it twice a year at a high volume client base store. things that come in is for human error like branches that pop up into areas like through the engine bay or catching hoses underneath! But I'm referring to those working in heavy wooded or brush areas. I have company's that utilize these for clean up service and they claim they are the go to equipment for tough work. They do add on extra protection for them to minimize damage
@@TractorTimewithTim I'd also like to add we service all not just rk and it's common for gear damage in all sub compacts from over exertion! It rarely happens to any tractor but customers have been pretty honest that they were pushing the limits. And what I love about RK is there 8yr drive train warranty is so long and after working on them I see why now! I have a saying keep it super simple and that's exactly what they have done into these
Always say when buying another vehicle the color comes with it. You will get use to it or you can change it. But get something that feels right and fits your needs. This is an excellent video for information on buying new or used. Thank you!!
Great Video! Great Info! Many thanks to you and your wife for all the work and research that was done.
I have a green tractor , 80 years old . Last time I needed parts they were available . I like to see a long term record , I have seen some good tractors that were abandoned cause of lack of parts . Some Chinese equipment you cannot get parts for tractors that are still being sold
Excellent video and great advice!!! It would be great if you could assemble a list of the popular models that have held up well over the years, especially for those that were built before the EPA messed everything up (pre 2012?). Wish I had considered your advice before I bought my first tractor (White Fieldboss 16). It would have been a great little tractor but it developed a problem with the control valve for the 3ph and has sat for over a decade now. My 2nd (current) tractor is a 1983 Ford 1710. I had to rebuild the front hubs last year when one of the wheels fell off. To my pleasant surprise, the nearest NH dealer had all the parts IN STOCK!.
Great advise for anyone considering the purchase of a new or used tractor. First time ever for this type of discussion that I have observed or even heard about.
I have one of the Cub Cadet Yanmar SC2450. I was worried about parts when I talked to the Cub Cadet dealer and they didn’t even know Cub Cadet made a sc tractor. I then called the local Yanmar dealer and they have ability to get all the parts.
I got all my 3 point linkage parts in one kit for a cheap price in my opinion (dealer forgot to give the original parts to my uncle when he bought the tractor years ago. Tractor has backhoe so 3 point arms come off). I have also ordered a throttle/tach cable from the dealer. Both those type items have showed up within a week from Yanmar’s US location in Georgia. Dealer gave me the option to order direct and they will ship it from Georgia or order with bulk order from dealer and then there is no shipping charge!
Great dealer in Howell, MI!
My favorite tractors to restore are Farmall's, Fords, John Deeres, and the old Kubotas because of the ease of finding parts, after market options and the documentation. My new tractors are green and orange because of great support that I can get. Great video Tim!
I have a 2021 Branson 2515h and it's a beast. I'm interested to see what manufacturers might make parts that fit this. It's been a BEAST and flawless so far.
I also have a Branson 2515H. This is an excellent machine and my local dealer has sold them for 20 years. It has a 7 year warranty and it's a beast. In its 25HP class nothing even comes close to it for lifting capacity or loader reach height. Weighing in at just under 4000# it's performance for a 25hp tractor is unmatched by any other brand. Plus it doesn't need DEF for the fuel and has no electronic micro chips. I believe that parts availability will be an issue with all brands from now on. Hopefully I made a good choice for longevity , parts and service.
@@witness1449 Solid machine! Coming up on my 50 hour service fast......
Good video, I bought my first tractor years ago at an auction. It turned out to be a gray market orphan year Yanmar. I got schooled really fast on parts and support.
Very good analysis Tim. I thought I’d listened to all the discussion on this topic area, but you added a number of new thoughts. Thanks!
I recently bought a sub compact Massey and considered an RK tractor. But after taking a close look at both tractors the Massey is just built better. Also as you said, RK parts aren't as easy to get plus my local Massey dealer is literally local. RK is 2 hours away!
Not only that but RK has 6.49% finance cost where others have 0%. I bought Kubota because of reputation ,reliability along with parts and service.
@@hugostiglitz8465 Dang I didn't know the financing was that high. Yeah I got the good rate with my Massey. Kubota is a very nice tractor also. If you can't decide between 'actual' brands that build their own, just pick a color lol.
Massey all the way!!
Hi @bjenkins803. I am considering the MF 17 sub compact now, vs the Kubota bx26. Looks like you posted this about a year ago, how are you liking your MF after spending time with it?
@Ashley Sperzel It's still doing great. 170 hours on it now with no problems. It is much stronger and capable than you would think. I bought a tiller attachment for it last year and it handles it with no problem.
New Holland and love it
Thank you Tim I am in the middle of making of my own tractor and this helps a lot for me
Great points, my neighbors use Kubota and John Deere and constantly complain they can't get parts for weeks, I've got a case 730 and 2 Ford tractors and have no issues with parts or service help, I'm working my land and everyone else is waiting on parts..
Tim,
I love all your videos! You and Christie do a great job!
I know you’re a Rototiller fan, but would you consider doing a disc vs. disc (3 pt) comparison for all of the small “food plot” guys that are so common in today’s market?
Thank you and God Bless
Disc vs tiller?
@@TractorTimewithTim
Yes. I’m sorry I meant disc vs tiller. Thank you
I had never heard of TYM before so we passed them. Kubota was far too expensive. The Kioti dealer had none in stock. No Mahindra anywhere near us. So it boiled down to a John Deere 1025R or a Massey GC7110. Both equipped equally with loader and backhoe, no lawn mower. I asked each dealer to switch the hydraulic hoses so the backhoe would operate like an excavator. Massy said yes, Deere said no. Then came the price. Massey offered it at $5000 less than Deere. So we bought the Massey. 4 years later and still amazed at what this little gem can do. No regrets.
Could you please tell me what the difference is between making a backhoe work like a backhoe versus making a backhoe work like a excavator?
@@blackdog542 Excavators are almost all SAE and Backhoes (traditional controls) are ISO. However newer Backhoes with excavator style joysticks offer both styles.
In the SAE control pattern, the left hand controls swing (left-right) and dipper (in-out), and the right hand controls the boom (up-down) and bucket (curl-uncurl).
* Left hand left = swing left.
* Left hand right = swing right.
* Left hand forward = dipper out away from operator.
* Left hand back = dipper in toward operator.
* Right hand left = bucket curl.
* Right hand right = bucket uncurl.
* Right hand forward = boom down.
* Right hand = boom up.
The other most commonly used control pattern is ISO controls, which differs from the SAE control pattern only in that ISO controls exchange the hands that control the boom and the dipper.
The Massey will depreciate faster and won't have the resale that the john deere .
Yeah I had a Deere and it needed parts every time I used it, $200 $300 a time. Got a Massey, never breaks, I don't care about resale, I want it to go 20 to 30 years.
@@mrnascar9129Probably, but it won't spend nearly as much time in the shop . . .
I enjoyed watching your video, I love LEARNING from your tips, which are probably based on you have learned by listening to others and your own personal experience. Thanks Tim!
Well done Tim! Thanks for posting and taking the time.
I traded my 2011 JD 3038E in for a Bobcat CT4050. I received a great trade in and a good price on the tractor. I believe Bobcat is in the tractor market to stay, and I like my Bobcat. Strong hydraulics and loader capacity. Better than Deere. Deere has the dealer network, but corporate plays the same game with people like every other brand does. Bobcat has a good network out there also.
I bought a Bobcat as well. My dealer drove to my house and took the backhoe off and installed the tiller, for my wife, when I was out of town working. They also serviced it for free, which they included in with the purchase.
@@kenchiison4570 I get great service from my dealer also. Awesome!
New 2040 owner here, had a 2014 Mahindra that I sold. Same HP as Mahindra, but smaller physically. Bought backhoe and new blower for it too. The blower got a workout this winter, I'll tell ya! Happy so far. 70+ hours
Did this tractor line not dissappear for several years?
Yes. Another example of my point. Bobcat rebranded tractors for awhile, then quit. Now they are trying again. Will they stick with it through the next downturn? Only time will tell.
Great info as always, I had none of the info when I bought my MF 1825E, I probably would have bought orange or green, but I don't regret my Massy! Just like tiller rule #1 also could apply to tractors!
I feel fortunate in that the John Deere dealer I use is phenomenal from salesman to parts men to office staff to the truck driver that delivers equipment. Everyone is so helpful each time I’ve gone in.
Still looking for what will be best for my life style. This improved my thinking. Awesome. Blessing’s to you and your family.
I have 3 tractors. All 3 are different brands. One of the tractors I own is a LG which is branded by Farmtrac. Farmtrac went out of business. Makes things difficult. Luckily LG tractors were branded by several different companies which helps with parts. Remember, older John Deere compact tractors were not made by John Deere. They were made by Yanmar. This is why Yanmar tractors were not imported into the US under their own name.
Garret Lewis yes sir you're right and look what engine is still in the little green tractor's. Not complaining, just saying.
To add to Tims talk about parts & dealer support, back in the 60's & 70's Wheelhorse was a very popular garden tractor with many dealers around the US... they decided to screw dealers on warrantee issues saying dealers had to buy parts & install them on their own dime and many dealers in turn just dropped Wheelhorse...thus the death of a good brand... They also cross referenced new parts to old ones but the new parts didn't even fit or work!..and a loyal following was lost...yah... parts & service matters!
Wheelhouse should have made a deal with Kubota to sell the orange tractors back when Kubota was begging for dealers. Wheelhouse dealer network had regional weaknesses - good within 500 miles from South Bend, the green garden tractor had dealers everywhere and began selling at big box stores
Excellent overview and talking points on what to consider when purchasing a new compact tractor.
I appreciate the research you do to give us information to help us make informed decisions. We probably do our reseach, but you do cover information we may not have thought about or you are able to provide info we simply did not find.
My closest Kubota dealer is also a Kioti and Yanmar dealer. He swears they have the same “track record” in reliability as Kubota. My only real concern was resale value. I grabbed the BX23S but every once in a while I think about the little Massey with its dual bucket cylinders…
We have both orange and green. I remember a couple of years ago emailing Kubota about our almost 40 year old tractor that we bought used if we could get an owners manual. The next day the responded to our email with a PDF attachment of the owners manual! I could give similar stories of JD support. They both are top notch.
Your dealer is telling tall tales. You don't have to do too much searching around on the internet to find multitudes of engine failures at relatively low hours out of the Kiotis...
Great video Tim, Very neutral and informative. One of the best videos you have done. I have been a tractor owner for over 30 years with the first one being a 1520 ford i had for 20 years and a 1635 Massey Ferguson I bought in 2012.
You are very corect , I own a ford, jd, ls, I work for an orange/red tractor dealer.
Great insight on the selection process. Couldn’t of come out at a better time as I’ve been trying to explain all this to a good friend that is about to upgrade machines.
Wow, this video was a lot better than I thought it would be. You really covered some great points and details. I think you’re definitely right I’m buying models that are very common implaniful out there. After market but, and some people may not like this, but cheap Chinese parts. I’ve got a 15-year-old John Deere lawnmower and I can get a set of three spindles off of eBay for 50 bucks with those breakaway bolts included and they’re updated with the Zürich fittings that didn’t come on the originals, John Deere is also updated them but when you got a 15 year old machine and you got a few broken parts you need to go fix and John Deere tells you those parts are going to be $350 he start questioning whether or not it’s worth keeping anymore I’d be lucky to sell it working for $350 in my case it’s an old L1 30 with a broken hood that’s gone completely now and it works OK but some of the parts get pretty expensive. I have replace the transmission and the electric PTO clutch so I’m pretty good I but I let it sit for three years and had some problems with the front spindles that is worn where the bushings worst of the wheels would fall off because they pop the C-Clip off from wobbling and I had some carburetor problems and had no idea how to work on a carburetor and a couple electrical problems and fuel problems. But I was able to get all those parts for about $130, most of them off of eBay and that would’ve been there well over $500 from a dealer but because it’s a popular model and they’re 1 million of them out there I had options for used parts and knock off parts and a been able to make it work instead of having to sell it for parts or scrap and get something new or used to replace it. But it makes a huge difference if I got some off brand or weird model these companies making parts wanted to bothered for those models and it would’ve been in the garbage probably.
I do have one question that you can probably answer that you didn’t cover. Now this is moron the lawn tractors and really small stuff but you see models like mine was an L130 now Lois sold the same thing similarly as a D130. Do you find that those are usually the same or is there sometimes a problem when you buy a John Deere or another manufacture through a dealership even when it’s sold as a John Deere but with a different part number? I’ve always wondered because you save a couple hundred dollars buying it from Lowe’s but I can’t really tell the difference between them on the new ones?
I’m not sure I can help with your question. Sorry.
Even Deere used to partner with the Yanmar back in the 80s. Now it’s impossible to find most parts for my John Deere 650 tractor because it wasn’t made by Deere
Doesn't Deere still partner with Yanmar? What about Yanmar engine's in the smaller Deers?
I ran into same issue on my JD 870. Made by Yanmar.
Yeah they still use some yanmar engines but I think they’re building all the tractors themselves now
Yanmar makes engine and transmission for all 60hp and under Deere machines
Great video Tim.
Thanks Neil! Hope things are going well!
Really good info... I did a lot of research before buying my tractor and this video would be a good starting point for first time buyers.
I have a 1988 White field boss 37. Like the tractor for the work it does. No parts available so eventually when the “right” thing breaks it will be a piece of yard art. Parts availability is very important as you so well covered.
I’ve been fortunate to have a John Deere dealer that understands my needs as an owner of a 2305. Excellent service and parts department. I’ve purchased all attachments from them. The local John Deere dealership has my best interests in mind. The only downside to owning a John Deere is the cost of parts and maintenance. My belief is the higher price brings quality and confidence in my equipment. I really learned much from this video and reaffirmed my appreciation for my John Deere 2305.
Don't pretend that just because a company makes their own tractors that you'll be able to get parts... John Deere has discontinued major components and they're not available at all.
Does the tractor industry have anything similar to the automotive industry where manufacturers have to make parts available for 10 years? Somehow I'm expecting the answer is no, but I honest don't know.
Not sure.
@@JCWren no, and that doesn't even apply to automotive industry because most cars don't have 10year warranties available anymore.
The law is just that they have to stock parts till the longest warranty they offer expires.
From what model and year. There isn’t a consumer product where parts are available forever, but I have never had a problem getting the consumable parts for a JD while I have for other brands.
I just purchased some parts for my 72 year old model A at my JD dealer. There isn’t too many manufacturers out there that can provide that.
This was so helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.
200 hours on my TYM T394 cab, loader, backhoe. In the neighborhood of $8k less than a similar orange or green tractor…with a grapple. Not saying one is better than the other. I think orange hydraulics are smoother than TYM. Wish I could curl and lift my bucket at the same time and speed. Sort of have to lift, then curl, repeat as needed. Not always ideal, but I’ve found I can live with it. Strong local dealer. Very happy with my purchase. My little old BX2200 was being worked too hard and Messicks was making a good $$ on my repair parts orders. Still have the BX. Love it and am happy it can be used in an appropriate manner now. I believe you should have a little tractor to help service your bigger tractor. 😁
Great video. Since you made the comparison series about the Green and Orange sub compact a couple of years ago. I did buy my tractor last year based on the results of your comparison. I was ambivalent at the beginning but since then my choice have been consolidated. With this new video, I am still more confident I made the right choice.....Go Green.......
Yes, I’m a JD Green fan, but in the end it’s having a good local dealer and a model that fit my needs in a machine. All great points and well put together.
Thank you for shooting straight on the big considerations when picking a brand. Very helpful!
John deere doesn't make thair own engines, they are made by yanmar, so same situation what happens if the relationship goes sour ?
Like Massey/Iseki, this is a 45+ year relationship, with a bunch of joint ownership, etc. would be hard to sever.
@@TractorTimewithTim Giving the fact I can still order parts for my 1926 ‘D’ from Deere. I have full confidence in there product support. And even when they do go NLA. There’s plenty of aftermarket and salvage yards ready to sell parts
I like that Yanmar is producing more models under their own name and increasing their dealership presence in the US market. They now have the SA, YT, and YM series tractors and have been building Diesel engines for over 100 years. They’re the engineering powerhouse behind many other tractor brands. Aside from Kubota, I believe Yanmar is the only other tractor manufacturer that builds the entire tractor, including the engine, under their own name without any rebranding or trade names.
…but they don’t have the volume necessary for long term support, unfortunately.
I agree with John. Yanmar not getting kudos they deserve. They manufacture so much for others parts availability isn't the opportunity some might think. Look at YM tractors of the 70's and 80's? Parts are available.
@@TractorTimewithTim where do you get sales/volume data?
It is not available to us. However, you can figure it out anecdotally. What do you see most often on social media? Who has the most dealers? Etc. ask a popular brand dealer which models are their top selling?
They don’t have the volume? They only been making Deisel engines for over 100 yrs, and that JD uses their engines, in fact, they built the whole John Deer tractors for DECADES which gave them their reputation, cmon man. Act like you know something.
Very helpful overview focusing on the most important considerations (way beyond just the initial sales price). Thanks for sharing your experienced opinions.
Another good video. Thank you.
Bottom line is planning for the future. One will break stuff or need replacement parts.
Going with Kubota or JD should reduce parts supply issues. But we all have to make our own decisions.
Hi Tim, thanks for knowledge and support in tractors ,attachments and the respect given to your wife and aquantces . Bless you for including Gods teachings in your videos .
Thanks for the kind words!
The only brand on their that makes their own tractor is the yanmar. You won’t find a Deere engine in a Deere. You’ll find a yanmar.
i had an ls mx347. i was very happy with it. worked great, and was almost twice the tractor of an equivalent priced kubota. almost twice the size, twice the weight, twice the load capacity, etc.. i never had to deal with servicing though, but there is a local dealer and shop
Great info Tim. I used many of these methods when searching for my last tractor!